My meaninglessly general prediction for Europe is that it will start looking less like a single entity (the EU) and more like the historical nations that make it up, each with its own quirks and problems. But I have some hope that Europeans have internalized enough healthy distrust of national politics to avoid a return the political horrors of the previous century.

"My meaninglessly general prediction for Europe is that it will start looking less like a single entity (the EU) and more like the historical nations that make it up, each with its own quirks and problems. But I have some hope that Europeans have internalized enough healthy distrust of national politics to avoid a return the political horrors of the previous century."

I believe you are correct, but in withdrawing into their own nationalities they may be following the right instincts. All European countries have survived very rough times in their history. If Europe, which is an abstraction, is not what is needed, they will concentrate on their own land, their own territory, and their own methods. This is actually a positive aspect of nationalism.

In any case, the European institutions are totally useless in such a crisis.

I am watching the collapse in Spain very carefully. People will be able to survive it despite having a housing bubble much worse than the US did. This is because of old habits of deprivation and because there are no qualms about using land for planting. Also, no qualms about occupying vacant property, of which there is plenty. Those foreigners who own those condos and go there for a week during the summer may find a surprise the next time they come...

Is there a place where your upcoming talks are listed? I'd hate miss one if you're in my neck of the woods (Seattle/Portland). I'm sure Powells (Portland) and Elliot Bay Book Co. (Seattle) would be happy to host.

Also as an amusing coincidence from your post below I actually suggested the empty offices as temporary housing to some city officials out here a while back in a conversation on what to do about the increasing homelessness - although the reaction was gentle from them the subtext was "are you frickin' out of your mind??!!?"

Just goes to show why systems collapse, because many people just can't set aside the old ways of doing things

In the interests of not causing unnecessary environmental damage, I try to limit the frequency with which I cross the continent, but Portland and Seattle are definitely on my map because that's where the Sail Transport Network is taking shape, so I will get out there eventually. I will post announcements right here on this blog.

"Just goes to show why systems collapse, because many people just can't set aside the old ways of doing things"

In this case, they don't see the obvious because they work out of fear (of legal consequences) and out of superstition (sacredness of property rights over any other human consideration). I believe the superstitions will simply be pushed over by realities. Fear is more of a problem.

There is something important in Orlov's talk, when he speaks about several people sharing a vehicle for occasional need. There is a huge redundancy of property in this country. A neighbor of mine has five vehicles, all newish, parked in his driveway. Most of them are not used. I bet if someone wanted to borrow or share one, he would not be amused. That is the kind of thinking that needs to be overcome.

Regarding redundancy and just plain waste: the food thrown out daily in the US would feed many millions, Americans don't like to eat leftovers, etc.

Humorous relief: I asked a guy at a local supermarket if he would keep for me the browned bananas that can no longer be sold,since I use them to make banana bread. He looked at me as if I were an extraterrestrial and assured me that his orders are to throw all that in the garbage. The sad thing is that I believe him. So, I need them overripe, they can't do anything with them, yet they throw them out...

And I know of one restaurant that refuses to give leftovers to people who ask... because of possible lawsuits. Folks, we are a long way away from reality.

I would like to comment an oversight in the notion that West Coast-East Coast will be solely connected by the panama canal.

What about the Trans-Canadian Railroad? Unless Canada becomes Xenophobic towards Americans, there is still that route for trans-continental travel.

Its understood that the general point that the decline of the highway system and the airline industry would limit the phenomenon of cross country travel for the masses, however not quite to the point of solely by the Panama Canal.

One possibility exists of Chelnoki shipping goods between the coasts via the Trans-Canadadian RR.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Renowned investor George Soros said on Friday the world financial system has effectively disintegrated, adding that there is yet no prospect of a near-term resolution to the crisis.

Soros said the turbulence is actually more severe than during the Great Depression, comparing the current situation to the demise of the Soviet Union.